The research seems to indicate it’s possible to either retrain or rewire the brain after certain functions and/or senses are lost. Studies like this may be groundbreaking for people in the near future. In addition, this research may lead to other kinds of brain research about the use of neurons and the developing of neurons for different functions.

No one seems to know why Stephen Hawking has been able to accomplish so much in his life or why he has lived for so long. Could Stephen Hawking’s incredible intelligence coupled with his inability to use the neurons responsible for motor control actually have increased or improved his ability to use his neurons in the frontal cortex?

No one seems to know.

Again, I don’t have enough of a background in neurology or the hard sciences to understand all of the implications of the research as reported in the New York Times, but do I definitely know enough to realize that the research is positive and hopeful for those who have lost their senses.